Head Chef - Catering Division

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Culinary direction

Medical aid

Staff meals

Discounts

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead and elevate the Catering Division. You will oversee menu development, kitchen operations, and team leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences at catered events.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years as Head Chef or Sous Chef in high-volume catering or hospitality, with strong budget control, food safety knowledge, and a culinary degree or apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in high-volume catering or hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary team in menu creation, recipe development, and food preparation for catering events.
• Ensure consistent quality, taste, and presentation of all dishes.
• Manage kitchen operations including inventory, procurement, and waste reduction.
• Oversee staff training, scheduling, and performance management.

Education

Culinary degree or recognized apprenticeship

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead their esteemed Catering Division in Paarl. This critical role involves overseeing all culinary operations, from menu development and execution to kitchen management and team leadership. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, creativity, and presentation across all catered events. The ideal candidate possesses a deep passion for gastronomy, strong leadership skills, and the ability to innovate while adhering to strict budget and hygiene standards, contributing to exceptional dining experiences for clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in menu creation, recipe development, and food preparation for all catering events.
• Ensure consistent quality, taste, and presentation of all dishes served, meeting client expectations and company standards.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, procurement of ingredients, and waste reduction.
• Oversee staff training, scheduling, and performance management within the kitchen environment.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with event planners and sales teams to conceptualize and execute unique culinary experiences.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume catering or hospitality setting.
• Strong culinary expertise, creativity, and a passion for diverse cuisines.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in menu costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and kitchen hygiene practices.
• Culinary degree or recognized apprenticeship is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a respected catering division.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Staff meals and discounts on services.
• A creative and collaborative working environment.